An Objective Review

Last week, in the morose lead up to the five year anniversary of Adam’s death, I spent a bit more time than usual scrolling through social media distracting myself, and I was struck by an unexpected book review posted by a friend on Facebook. “You will laugh and cry and reach deep into your soul to figure out your purpose in life. Great beach or pool read!”  I happened to be looking for a new read (further attempt to distract), and was encouraged by her recommendation. Admittedly, though, it was the subject matter that resonated most during that week, because her recommendation, Not to Spoil the Ending but everything is going to be ok is about my son Adam, and me, and I happen to be the author. It would be the perfect book for that week. Enough time had passed that it would be more fresh, and also bring me close to Adam in the recollection of memories that have begun to fade. 

What wasn’t shared in my friend’s post was the selfie she’d taken and sent from Adam’s bench by the High School lakes, after she’d driven out from NYC while visiting friends, having been so moved by the book, well by Adam. … Or her offer this week to come spend two nights with me – knowing it was a difficult time – all the way from Ohio!

It’s good to have good people. Better when they’re fun! In fact, we spent a lot of time laughing and crying, totally separate from the book. But over wine at my kitchen table, she did actually expand on her review … “I loved ‘Washable Paint,’ I think that might be my favorite chapter.” 

And I think it’s one of mine too … We live in an age where perceptions and judgements have become so simplified, so dualistic and black and white, and “Washable Paint” upends that thinking, and in such a simple – and funny – way. (Adam’s heavenly insights are always profound and simple and generally accompanied by a chuckle and head shake as they sink in). As I look back in hindsight on my life, there’s really nothing I’d change, grateful for what I’ve come to and the way it all shaped me. And yet, my lived experience through it all was almost always singularly focused on all that was going wrong – the black in the white of it – and pushing against and trying to change it all! How I could have been so negative … so sure … and so blind? … 

Yet, in all objectivity, can there possibly be anything redeeming about graffiti in your driveway, or a lie told to cover it up, much less the death of a child?? Well, here’s that chapter my friend Margo loved, offered as a pre-holiday teaser… You can decide for yourself…

And since you’re here, why not put the holiday shopping behind you with the gift of an inspiring read for everyone on your list? Order today for the people you love!

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